Jaishankar Urges Peace at UNGA Amid West Asia War: 'Countries Far Away Penalised'

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for restraint, de-escalation, and greater civilian protection at the UN General Assembly amidst ongoing West Asia conflicts. He emphasized that countries far from battle zones are being penalized by the global impacts of war, and warned that the world is witnessing a dangerous "weaponisation of everything" through extreme competition and institutional disruption.

Jaishankar highlighted that the targeting of commercial vessels and seafarers transiting through international waterways is completely unacceptable. He urged all parties to ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce, noting that India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers at the UN to address these maritime threats.

Jaishankar stated that in a globalized world, the effects of war are felt worldwide, causing nations far from conflicts to face severe consequences for no fault of their own. He noted that resources, connectivity, and finance are increasingly leveraged or weaponized, which disrupts supply chains, constricts market access, and forces nations to prioritize de-risking and diversification over trust.